The Greek word anaideia (G335) is used only once in the New Testament — in Luke 11:8, in Jesus' parable of the friend at midnight. It describes the quality that compels a neighbor to get up and give bread: not friendship alone, but anaideia — "shameless persistence" or "bold importunity."
The word combines the negative prefix an- with aidōs (shame/modesty), meaning "without shame" — the refusal to be embarrassed by one's need or by repeated asking.
Anaideia in Jesus' teaching is presented as a virtue in prayer. The friend who keeps knocking at midnight has no shame about his need — he asks, keeps asking, and does not give up. Jesus uses this as an illustration of bold, persistent prayer: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Luke 11:9).
This is not a license for presumptuousness but an invitation to relational boldness with God. The Father is not annoyed by His children's persistent requests; He delights to give. The anaideia God honors is the shamelessness of a child who knows they are loved and approaches confidently: "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence" (Hebrews 4:16).